Materuni Waterfalls (Day Trip)

A tour to Materuni Village and Waterfalls is a great way to spend a day away from the bustle of town life. The walk to Materuni Waterfall offers a glimpse into the nature of Tanzania allowing you either to prepare your body for the forthcoming climb to Kilimanjaro or ease your muscles after the climb.

The Materuni Waterfall tour starts with a walk through the area adjacent to the waterfall, rich in the beautiful natural scenery of Tanzania. It is an opportunity to see how local fruit like avocados, mangos, lemons, and bananas grow, as well as learn some of the local history, traditions, village economy, and agricultural and cultural life. When you get to the waterfall, you can refresh yourself in the natural pool, so swimsuits will come in handy!

Waterfalls-Mateys Tours

Coffee Tour & Chagga Culture

The tour will continue with a visit to the local village lying in the coffee plantations. The villagers will demonstrate the process of coffee farming and guide you through the preparation of coffee from a bean to a cup. Sing and dance along with the Chaga people as they are grinding, roasting and boiling the beans. When the coffee is ready, villagers will serve lunch – a national Chagga meal.

Materuni Coffee Tour

Climate

The climate around Materuni Waterfalls, located near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate. The region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year, especially during the rainy seasons from March to May and November to December. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, especially near the falls.

The dry season, from June to October, offers more pleasant weather for visiting, with less rain and milder temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing around the waterfall. The lush surroundings and vibrant vegetation make the area particularly stunning after the rains, while the dry season offers clear skies and more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Materuni Village-Mateys Tours

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Materuni Waterfalls is during the dry season from June to October. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less rain and milder temperatures, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the waterfalls. However, if you prefer lush, vibrant surroundings, the rainy season from March to May can also be a great time to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest and the landscape is rich and green. Keep in mind that heavy rains during this period can make the trails slippery, so proper footwear is recommended.

How to Get There

To get to Materuni Waterfalls, you can follow these directions:

  • From Arusha, the distance to Materuni is approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles), and the drive typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.
  • You can drive via the Kilimanjaro Road (B144) and then take the Materuni Road to the village, which is located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • If you’re coming from Moshi, Materuni is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away, and the journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car.

It is advisable to travel with a local guide or tour operator, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area, as they can help navigate the sometimes rough, unpaved roads leading to the waterfalls.

Feel free to contact our experts to learn more about the Materuni Waterfall trip!

Facts About Materuni Waterfalls

  • A Place of Tranquility and Spiritual Significance to Chagga People
  • Coffee as an Economic Backbone to Kilimanjaro inhabitants.
  • Oldest Coffee Plantations, some are over 100 years old
  • Materuni Waterfalls cascade from a height of approximately 70 meters (262 feet).

The Sacred Spirits of Materuni Falls

The Chaga people hold deep spiritual reverence for the Materuni Waterfalls, believing that the cascading waters are the home of ancestral spirits.

The falls are seen as a sacred site where the spirits of past generations reside, offering guidance and protection to those who visit with respect. It is said that if you visit the falls during a quiet moment, you might hear the voices of the ancestors whispering through the trees and the rush of the water.

Local traditions include visiting the falls for special ceremonies, prayers, and offerings to honor the spirits of the land. The waterfall is seen not only as a natural beauty but as a portal to the spiritual realm, ensuring the continuity of the Chaga people’s culture and beliefs.